The chain is in talks to shut its Corn Exchange branch early next year, which would make it the first operator to pull out of the £30m food and drink development since it opened in 2015.

The London-based brand also has sites on Deansgate and Piccadilly Gardens and is said to want to consolidate its offer in Manchester to two restaurants.

Owners of the Corn Exchange say they have already had 'multiple offers of interest' in the unit.

"Corn Exchange has now established itself as a leading dining destination in the north," said a spokesman for Aviva Investors Property Trust.

"We can confirm that we are in talks with Byron as they look to consolidate their offer in Manchester from three restaurants to two and can also confirm that while still at early talks stage we have already received multiple offers of interest in the unit should we collectively decide to move forward with lease negotiations.

"Our vision to create a mix of restaurants, both regional and national, bringing together a world of flavours to complement and embrace this beautiful building remains strong."

Corn Exchange (Image: Matt Ratcliffe)

Byron is one of 13 restaurants and bars inside the grade II-listed building, which was formerly home to the Triangle shopping centre.

The M.E.N's What's On editor Simon Binns branded the burger bar 'lazy and lethargic' in a recent review.

"Byron is sleepwalking through the business on this showing," he wrote.

"Going through the motions without an iota of passion or flair. Their staff - and their menu - need a wake up call. We’ve moved on. Their competitors have moved on too."

They will be joined later this month by steakhouse and gin specialists Alston Bar and Beef, with a Roomzzz aparthotel set to follow in early 2018.

A Byron spokesperson said: “Byron is currently working with KPMG on long term business planning and like all businesses of our size, we are conducting a review of performance and where we invest capital. Byron have four restaurants under review as part of our careful management of the estate.

"As a result of this review, one restaurant, at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, closed in August 2017. In the event of any closures, it is Byron’s policy to do everything possible to redeploy staff to other stores and other initiatives.

"As we develop our business, we continue to look at new growth opportunities, including the opening of new restaurants, such as in Bath, and look forward to a busy 2018.”